On Flashback Fridays I will share with you
the books I was not able to review
when they were first released that have been screaming at me
from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
The book I am featuring this week had been on the shelf right next to my desk staring at me for too long! 🙄
Word to the Wise (A Library Lover’s Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
10th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Berkley (September 3, 2019)
Mass Market Paperback : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593100042
ISBN-13 : 978-0593100042
Kindle ASIN : B07L7TDZ3K
Lindsey Norris is finally getting married to the man of her dreams–but it’s not all roses for Briar Creek’s beloved library director, as gardening enthusiast and town newcomer Aaron Grady gives the term “book lover” a whole new meaning. Inappropriate looks and unwelcome late-night visits to Lindsey’s house have everyone from the crafternooners to Lindsey’s fiancé, Sully, on edge.
When Grady’s dead body is found staged outside the library and all the clues point to Sully, Lindsey knows it’s up to her to dig through the hidden chapters of Grady’s previous life to find the real culprit and clear Sully’s name. But becoming a thorn in the killer’s side is not without its consequences, and the closer Lindsey gets to the truth, the more determined the murderer is to make her just a footnote.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Library Director Lindsey Norris loves her job but one of her patrons is making her very uncomfortable. After helping him find some gardening information he brings her flowers to the library, plants himself in a chair there, and just stares at her, then he shows up at her home with more flowers. No matter what she says to him he just won’t stop. Her friends and her fiancé, Sully are concerned about this unwanted attention too.
When the man is found dead, his body staged outside the library, all the evidence puts Sully in the hot seat. Lindsey knows she should concentrate on her wedding plans and leave the investigation to her friend, police chief Emma Plewicki but she just can’t do that. She needs to do all she can to help clear Sully and reveal the real killer. She can’t have her wedding without her groom. Getting in the killer’s way is dangerous though. She can’t have her wedding without a bride either!
All the characters in this series continue to grow and evolve. Lindsey and Sully’s relationship has developed very realistically and that relationship continues to make Lindsey stronger in each book. Beth, the children’s librarian is just so darn sweet and a true friend to Lindsey. Even Mrs. Cole is softening just a little bit. Emma has grown too, but she still doesn’t really want her friend investigating another murder. I love that the cast is very diverse and all their interactions are genuine. The canine characters, Heathcliff and now Duke who visits the library once a week with his person Laura are great too and always give me the warm fuzzies.
Now let me tell you the stalker theme of this book was a mind grabber with plenty of suspense. Ms. McKinlay added plenty of twists but the killer caught my focus right away. There was another nice twist though that made things even more dire.
I felt for Lindsey as she tried her best to deal with Aaron Grady. He was new in town and she gave him so many chances even when his actions really started to scare her. Her patience at first shows just how much she has grown. I really enjoyed Lindsey’s determination to find the true guilty party.
Setting a quick pace Jenn McKinlay has written a book that was almost impossible to put down. Word to the Wise
Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent
About Jenn McKinlay
Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sounds like a book I will enjoy.